Homemade Chicken Nuggets: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy to Make
There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy, golden chicken nugget. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for a gathering, these homemade chicken nuggets are sure to be a hit with everyone. With a crunchy coating and tender, flavorful chicken inside, these nuggets are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying to make from scratch. Plus, you’ll know exactly what goes into them, making this a healthier alternative to store-bought or fast-food options.
Ingredients
For The Filling:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped into pieces
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For The Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 cups canola oil for frying
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Add the chopped chicken to a food processor and process until the meat is pulverized and smooth.
- Then, add the spices (onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, salt, and sugar), water, and cornstarch to the processed chicken. Mix again until well combined.
- Shape the Nuggets:
- Take a portion of the chicken mixture and shape it into a roughly 2″x2″ rectangular shape in your hand. Place it onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat the process until all the chicken has been shaped into nuggets and placed on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the tray to the freezer and let the nuggets chill for 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Prepare for Frying:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, skillet, or deep fryer, add approximately 3 cups of canola oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- While the oil is heating, prepare the coating for the nuggets. Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Nuggets:
- Remove the chilled chicken nuggets from the freezer.
- Working one at a time, coat each nugget first in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it evenly in breadcrumbs.
- Continue this process until all nuggets are coated and ready to be fried.
- Fry the Nuggets:
- Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil—it should sizzle and turn golden quickly), carefully add the nuggets in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry each batch for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The nuggets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the cooked nuggets from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
- Serve:
- Allow the nuggets to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 300 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken nuggets are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic favorite right in your own kitchen. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding kids or indulging in a nostalgic treat, these nuggets are sure to become a household favorite. Pair them with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or simply enjoy them as they are—delicious and satisfying every time.
Feel free to share this recipe on your blog or social media, and let your readers know how easy it is to make homemade chicken nuggets that everyone will love!
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Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The combination of tender chicken breast and a crispy coating makes these Homemade Chicken Nuggets an irresistible treat for both kids and adults. Each nugget is perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices, giving it a burst of flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or a satisfying snack, these chicken nuggets are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness. The best part is, you can make them from scratch with simple ingredients, ensuring they are fresh and free from any unnecessary additives.
Ingredients
For The Filling:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped into pieces
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water
For The Coating:
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups canola oil for frying
Instructions
Add the chopped chicken to a food processor and process until the meat is pulverized and smooth. Then add spices, water, and cornstarch, and mix again.
Shape some of the chicken filling into a roughly 2″x2″ rectangular shape in your hand and place it onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Continue until all the chicken has been shaped and added to the baking sheet. Place the tray in the freezer and chill for 30 minutes.
Add roughly 3 cups of canola oil to a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet or a deep fryer and heat over medium-high heat.
Remove the chilled chicken nuggets from the freezer and place them in the flour, turning to evenly coat, then transfer to the beaten egg, and finally coat them all evenly in the breadcrumbs.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the nuggets (working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pot) and fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remove the cooked chicken nuggets from the hot oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease.
Repeat until all nuggets have been cooked.
Allow the nuggets to cool significantly before serving them warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 Kcal